Segmented Mold Body for Hollow Elastomer Bodies
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing moulds for producing hollow bodies are inefficient as they require a new mould for each production process, and the breaking down of the mould into fragments is laborious and time-consuming, especially when the opening is small, which affects the strength and durability of the final product.
Innovation Solution
A mould body assembled from mutually cohesive and releasable body parts, allowing for easy disassembly and reuse, with coupling mechanisms such as complementary coupling members and engaging members for simple removal and reassembly, enabling the mould to be reused multiple times.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a foam mould body is used that can be broken apart into fragments, then the mould can be removed from the hollow body via an opening, but the mould body is lost after being used once and separate moulds must be manufactured for each production process
Solution Approach 1:
The mould body is divided into multiple separable body parts that can be assembled and disassembled. Each body part can be removed through the opening in the hollow body, allowing the mould to be reused without being lost or degraded after single use like foam moulds.
Solution Approach 2:
The body parts are designed to be recovered and reused after the forming process. Instead of being discarded like foam moulds, the body parts can be reassembled to form a new mould body, significantly reducing the need for continuous manufacturing of new moulds.
2Strength
If the mould body is broken into fragments with maximum size allowing removal through a small opening, then the opening dimension can be minimized to maintain body strength, but the breaking process becomes laborious and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The mould body is pre-segmented into body parts of appropriate sizes that can be easily removed through the opening without requiring breaking. This segmentation is designed into the mould structure itself, eliminating the need for time-consuming breaking operations while maintaining the opening size necessary for body strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The mould body is prepared in advance as separable body parts during manufacturing, so that no breaking or complex disassembly is needed during the production process. The body parts are already configured for easy removal through the opening, saving time and labor.
3Strength
If a solid mould body is used to ensure sufficient strength for forming, then the mould provides adequate support during forming, but the mould cannot be easily removed or reused after the forming process
Solution Approach 1:
The mould body is segmented into multiple body parts that can be assembled to form a solid structure during forming, providing sufficient strength. After forming, the same body parts can be easily disassembled and removed through the opening, enabling reuse without compromising the strength provided during the forming process.
Solution Approach 2:
The mould body transitions from a static solid structure during forming to a dynamic separable configuration for removal and reuse. The body parts are designed with coupling members that allow easy assembly and disassembly, enabling the mould to adapt between providing strong support during forming and being easily removed afterward.
Data Source
AI summary
A mould comprises a mould body (1) for forming therearound a body (60) with a body cavity which is accessible via an opening. The mould body is assembled from a set of mutually cohesive body parts (30,40). The body parts (30,40) are mutually releasable and removable from the body via the opening. An inflatable body (60) can be manufactured with the mould. The inflatable body (60) comprises a wall of elastomer material, which wall at least in an inflated state of the body bounds a body cavity accessible through a wall opening. The body is inflatable by filling the body cavity with a fluid.